KR20050010921A - Optical switch - Google Patents

Abstract

The first light reflecting surface 51 and the second light reflecting surface 52 are formed at the lower half of the mirror block 50 at an angle of 90 degrees to each other. The first light reflecting surface 51 and the second light reflecting surface 52 are formed to form an angle of 90 degrees to the upper half of the mirror block 50, and the first light reflecting surface 51 and the second light reflecting surface are formed. The third light reflecting surface 53 and the fourth light reflecting surface 54 are formed to form an angle of 90 degrees between the slopes 52. According to this optical switch, the coupling relationship between the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber can be switched by switching the area reflecting light to the upper half and the lower half of the mirror block 50.

Description

Optical switch {OPTICAL SWITCH}

In the optical communication field, an optical switch is used to switch an optical fiber transmission path, an optical transmission / reception terminal device, or the like. 1A and 1B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of a main part of a 2x2 type optical switch that has been conventionally proposed. In this optical switch, the recessed part 3 is provided in the plate-shaped switch board | substrate 2, and the 1st and 2nd light reflection surface 4 is made to make the angle of 90 degree | times in the inner surface of the recessed part 3. , 5) is formed. In addition, an elongate flexible member 6 having elasticity is provided on the bottom surface of the switch substrate 2 in a one-side supporting state, and a movable reflective member 7 in the shape of a cube is formed at the tip of the flexible member 6. ) Is fixed. The movable reflective member 7 is arranged so that it may be located in the inner edge part comprised by the 1st and 2nd light reflection surfaces 4 and 5, and the 2nd movable reflective member 7 is adjacent to the 2nd surface which adjoins. The third and fourth light reflection surfaces 8 and 9 are formed. The flexible member 6 is bent up and down as shown in Fig. 1B, and the movable reflective member 7 located at the inner edges of the first and second light reflection surfaces 4 is As the flexible member 6 bends downward, the flexible member 6 descends below the first and second light reflection surfaces 4 and 5. Although not shown, an electromagnet is provided below the switch substrate 2, and when the electromagnet is excited, the flexible member 6 is adsorbed downward, and the movable reflective member 7 is lowered, and the electromagnet is demagnetized. The flexible member 6 returns upward and the movable reflective member 7 returns to the front of the first and second light reflection surfaces 4 and 5.

2 (a) and 2 (b) are diagrams for explaining the switching operation by the optical switch. In this example, the first input optical fiber 10 is disposed to face the first light reflection surface 4, and the second input optical fiber 11 is disposed to face the fourth light reflection surface 9. Then, the first output optical fiber 12 is disposed facing the third light reflection surface 8, and the second output optical fiber 13 is disposed facing the second light reflection surface 5.

However, when the movable reflective member 7 is raised and located on the front surfaces of the first and second light reflection surfaces 4 and 5, the first input optical fiber as shown in Fig. 2A is shown. The light 14 emitted from 10 is coupled to the first output optical fiber 12 after being reflected by the first light reflecting surface 4 and the third light reflecting surface 8. The light 15 emitted from the second input optical fiber 11 is reflected by the fourth light reflecting surface 9 and the second light reflecting surface 5 and then coupled to the second output optical fiber 13.

In addition, when the movable reflecting member 7 is lowered and is not on the front surfaces of the first and second light reflection surfaces 4 and 5, the first input optical fiber 10 as shown in FIG. The light 14 emitted from) is reflected by the first light reflecting surface 4 and the second light reflecting surface 5 and then coupled to the second output optical fiber 13. The light 15 emitted from the second input optical fiber 11 is reflected by the second light reflecting surface 5 and the first light reflecting surface 4 and then coupled to the first output optical fiber 12.

Therefore, according to such an optical switch, the first input optical fiber 10 and the second input optical fiber 11 are driven by elevating the movable reflective member 7 by driving the flexible member 6 with an electromagnet. The coupling | bonding destination of the light radiate | emitted from can be switched between the 1st output optical fiber 12 and the 2nd output optical fiber 13.

However, in the optical switch having such a structure, the first and second light reflection surfaces 4 and 5 and the third and fourth light reflection surfaces 8 and 9 are separated from each other (concave portions of the switch substrate 2). Since it is provided in the inner side surface and the movable reflective member 7, the alignment of each light reflection surface and an optical fiber became very complicated at the time of the assembly process of an optical switch, or the coupling | bonding operation of an optical switch and an optical fiber, and operation was difficult.

Specifically, it is as follows. First, the first and second input optical fibers 10 and 11 and the first and second output optical fibers 12 and 13 in a state before the movable reflective member 7 is attached to the flexible member 6. ) In parallel, the light 15 emitted from the second input optical fiber 11 enters the first output optical fiber 12 and enters the second output optical fiber as shown in FIG. The positions of the four optical fibers 10, 11, 12, and 13 are carefully observed for each combination of input and output so that the light 14 emitted from the first input optical fiber 10 enters the optical fiber 13. V) and fix each optical fiber 10, 11, 12, and 13 in an adhesive state after being hardened with an adhesive or the like. Subsequently, the movable reflection member 7 is disposed in front of the second input optical fiber 11 and the first output optical fiber 12, and the movable reflection member 7 is moved to adjust its position and angle. . As shown in FIG. 2A, the light 14 emitted from the first input optical fiber 10 enters the first output optical fiber 12, and the second output optical fiber 13 enters the second output optical fiber 13. When the position and angle of the movable reflection member 7 are adjusted with respect to each optical fiber 10, 11, 12, and 13 so that the light 15 radiate | emitted from the input optical fiber 11 of 2 may enter, it will move in that state. The reflective member 7 is fixed to the upper surface of the tip of the flexible member 6 with an adhesive or the like.

By the way, after each optical fiber 10, 11, 12, and 13 is careful in the state before attaching the movable reflective member 7 to the flexible member 6, each optical fiber 10, 11, 12, and 13 is fixed. Therefore, even if the movable reflecting member 7 is continuously adjusted in position and angle of the movable reflecting member 7 in front of the optical fibers 11 and 12, the optical reflectors 10, 11, 12, and 13 Since the positional relationship cannot be changed, the position and angle of the movable reflective member 7 cannot be adjusted with high precision. In addition, if there is a deviation in the positions of the first light reflection surface 4 and the second light reflection surface 5, the optical fibers 10, 11, 12, and 13 positioned on the basis of the light reflection surfaces 4, 5 are used. Since a deviation also occurs in the position, adjustment of the position and angle of the movable reflective member 7 becomes more difficult. Therefore, in the optical switch having such a structure, the position of each optical fiber 10, 11, 12, and 13 and the position and angle of the movable reflective member 7 are adjusted by trial and error before and after the movable reflective member 7 is attached. Which makes it difficult to assemble the optical switch.

The present invention relates to an optical switch for switching the coupling relationship between an input optical path (for example, an input optical fiber) and an output optical path (for example, an output optical fiber).

1 (a) and 1 (b) are a plan view and a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a main part of a 2 × 2 type optical switch of a conventional example.

2 (a) and 2 (b) are diagrams illustrating a switching operation by the optical switch.

3 is an external perspective view of an optical switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a schematic cross-sectional view (cover not shown) of the above-mentioned optical switch.

5 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the optical switch of FIG.

6 is a perspective view showing the structure of a mirror unit;

7 is a plan view for explaining the structure of a driven portion used in the mirror unit described above.

8 is a perspective view showing the shape of the mirror block fixed on the driven portion;

9 (a) and 9 (b) are plan and front views of the mirror block described above.

10 is a perspective view of a support constituting an optical fiber installation unit;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing an adjustment plate and an optical fiber array constituting the optical fiber installation unit.

12 is an exploded perspective view of the optical fiber array.

13 (a) and 13 (b) are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the optical switch according to the present invention;

14 is a plan view illustrating another example of the optical fiber installation unit.

15A, 15B, and 15C are partially broken plan views, front views, and partially broken bottom views showing a mirror block used in the second embodiment of the present invention;

The perspective view of the mirror block used for the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 17A is a plan view of the mirror block, FIG. 17B is a sectional view taken along the line XX of FIG. 17A, and FIG. 17C is a sectional view taken along the line YY of FIG. 17A. .

18 (a) and 18 (b) are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of a 1 × 2 type optical switch as a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

19A and 19B are schematic views for explaining the operation of a 4x4 optical switch as a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

20 is a perspective view of a mirror block used for an optical switch according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

21 (a) and 21 (b) are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the mirror block.

The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to provide an optical switch for switching a coupling relationship between an input optical path and an output optical path, wherein an optical center for an input optical path, an output optical path, and a light reflection surface ( Iii) to simplify the alignment.

The optical switch according to the present invention comprises at least three input optical paths and an output optical path in total, and in the optical switch for switching the optical path by changing the combination of the optical path for input and the optical path for transmitting and matching light with each other, A first surface having a pair of light reflection surfaces that face the input optical path and the output optical path so as to face the front face of the mirror member, which is relatively movable with respect to the input optical path and the output optical path, and cross each other at a predetermined angle; And a second region in which a plurality of pairs of light reflection surfaces, which are adjacent to each other and the light reflection surfaces intersecting at a predetermined angle, are formed along the direction of movement of the mirror member.

Here, the input optical path is an optical transmission medium that transmits light and transmits light to a space, and is formed of, for example, an optical fiber, an optical waveguide, or the like. The optical path for output is an optical transmission medium that transmits and propagates light incident from space, and is formed of, for example, an optical fiber, an optical waveguide, or the like.

According to the optical switch according to the present invention, in the case where there are a plurality of input optical paths and output optical paths, for example, the light emitted from some input optical paths is the first area as in the optical switch of the embodiment of the present invention. Is incident on a part of the output light path by being reflected at the light reflecting surface provided in the upper part, and light emitted from the other input light path is incident on the other output light path by being reflected at the light reflecting surface provided in the first region. The light emitted from the input optical path of the light is incident on the other output light path by being reflected on the light reflection surface provided in the second area, and the light emitted from the other input light path is reflected on the light reflection surface provided in the second area. Since it can be configured to be incident on the part of the light path for outputting the light, the mirror member is relatively moved to reflect the light. It may switch the coupling relationship of the optical path and the output optical path for input and By switching the area into regions and areas of the second of the first. (In addition, the description of this embodiment excludes the case where either the input optical path or the output optical path is one in the optical switch of the present invention, or the case where the number of the input optical path and the output optical path are not equal. no.)

In addition, in this optical switch, since the 1st area | region with which a pair of light reflection surfaces were formed, and the 2nd area | region with which a plurality of pairs of light reflection surfaces were formed integrally in a mirror member, the light reflection surface of a 1st area | region The positional shift and the angle error of the second reflective area with the light reflection surface become very small and stable only by the part precision (not influenced by the assembly), and thus the position between the input light path and the output light path and each light reflection surface The adjustment work can be easily performed.

Since the optical switch according to another embodiment of the present invention includes an actuator for moving the mirror member, the optical switch can be switched by an electrical signal.

The optical switch according to another embodiment of the present invention integrally constitutes a portion of the input optical path and the output optical path that opposes the front surface of the mirror member, and the entirety of the input optical path and the output optical path and the mirror member. The position adjustment with may be performed, and the position adjustment work can be made simpler.

In addition, the optical switch according to another embodiment of the present invention monitors which of the first region or the second region in front of the mirror member opposes the input optical path and the output optical path. Since the means is provided, the switching state of the optical switch can be known by, for example, an electric signal through the monitoring means.

An optical switch according to still another embodiment of the present invention is a space in which light emitted from the input optical path is reflected from a light reflection surface provided in a first area after being emitted from the input optical path and enters the output optical path. The optical path length and the light emitted from the input optical path are equal to the spatial optical path length after exiting from the input optical path and reflected from the light reflection surface provided in the second area to enter the output optical path.

Here, the spatial optical path length is the optical optical path length of the optical path through which the light propagates until the light emitted from the input optical path enters the output optical path. In general, when the first region and the second region are at an equal distance from the optical path for input / output, the light reflection region provided in the second region is larger than the spatial optical path length of the light reflected from the light reflection region provided in the first region. Since the length of the spatial light path of the reflected light is shortened, in order to make both optical path lengths equal, the second area may be arranged farther from the light entering / exiting light path than the first area.

In the optical switch according to still another embodiment, since the spatial optical path length of the light reflected by the first region and the spatial optical path length of the light reflected by the second region are equal, the lens position accompanying the switching of the optical switch. Adjustment and the like become unnecessary, and no change in light coupling efficiency occurs.

In addition, the component demonstrated above of this invention can be combined arbitrarily as possible.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the best form for implementing this invention is demonstrated in detail, referring drawings.

(First embodiment)

3 is an external perspective view of an optical switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of principal parts of the optical switch. 5 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the optical switch. This embodiment is a 2x2 type optical switch which can switch the coupling relationship between two input optical fibers and two output optical fibers. This optical switch 21 consists of an optical switch main body 22 and the cover 23, and the optical switch main body 22 is comprised as shown in FIG. First, the structure of each part of this optical switch 21 is demonstrated.

As shown in FIG. 5, the optical switch main body 22 is comprised by mounting the mirror unit 25, the optical fiber installation unit 26, and the optical fiber array 27 on the board | substrate 24. As shown in FIG. The mirror unit 25 is mounted on one side of the substrate 24, and the optical fiber array 27 is supported by the optical fiber installation unit 26 fixed to the other side of the substrate 24, and faces the mirror unit 25. do.

The electrode pad 30 for mounting the mirror unit 25 is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 24, and the lead foot 31 of the optical switch 21 is provided on the lower surface of the substrate 24 as shown in FIG. 4. This is provided. The lead is not limited to the type inserted into the circuit board as in the lead foot 31 shown in FIG. 4, and may be a surface mount type lead.

6 is a perspective view showing the structure of the mirror unit 25. In this mirror unit 25, the electromagnet 38 is stored in the housing 37 which the upper surface opened (refer FIG. 4), and the driven part 39 is arrange | positioned above the electromagnet 38. As shown in FIG. 7 is a partially omitted plan view showing the structure of the driven portion 39. The driven portion 39 is formed by integrally forming a rectangular piece of iron piece 40 and a pair of metal spring pieces 43 arranged in parallel on both sides of the iron piece 40 by the resin mold part 44. Both ends of the iron piece 40 and both ends of the spring piece 43 are exposed from the resin mold part 44. Moreover, the torsional deformation shaft 41 protrudes from the outer center part of each spring piece 43, and the fixing piece 42 is provided in the front-end | tip of the torsional deformation shaft 41. As shown in FIG. The torsional deformation shaft 41 and the fixed piece 42 are also exposed from the resin mold part 44. 4, the permanent magnet 45 is fixed to the center part of the lower surface of the iron piece 40. As shown in FIG.

The driven portion 39 is disposed above the electromagnet 38, and the fixing piece 42 is fixed to the upper surface of the housing 37 so as to be freely supported by the torsional deformation shaft 41. Therefore, the driven part 39 can rotate about the torsional deformation axis 41 by twisting and deforming the torsional deformation axis 41.

As shown in FIG. 4, the electromagnet 38 is wound around the coil 47 on the outer circumference of the core 46. The core 46 is formed of a permanent magnet, and both ends of the core 46 extend upwards (the portions extending above both ends of the core 46 are referred to as yoke portions 48a and 48b). Opposite the lower surfaces of both ends, the yoke portions 48a and 48b are magnetized to the S pole and the N pole, respectively. In addition, since the permanent magnet 45 is joined to the lower surface of the iron piece 40, the entire iron piece 40 is magnetized to the same pole (for example, the S pole surface of the permanent magnet 45 is the iron piece 40). The iron piece 40 becomes an S-pole when it is joined to it. In addition, the lead foot 69 of the mirror unit 25 is provided in the both side surfaces of the housing 37.

The operation and principle of the mirror unit 25 having such a structure are disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-255631. In simple terms, the electromagnet 38 can rotate the driven portion 39 in the other direction by the current direction flowing through the coil 47, and furthermore, either end of the iron piece 40 has either yoke portion. If it adsorb | sucks to 48a and 48b, even if the electric current of the coil 47 is turned off, the iron piece 40 will hold | maintain the state adsorbed by any one of the yoke parts 48a and 48b. That is, it latches in both directions and does not consume power to maintain the switching state.

In this way, when the driven part 39 is driven by the electromagnet 38, the iron piece 40 always stops at a predetermined angle by the end of the iron piece 40 contacting the yoke portions 48a and 48b. It is done. Moreover, when the iron piece 40 inclines, the spring piece 43 also tilts with it. Electrical contact is provided in the lower surface of both ends of the spring piece 43, and the detection parts 49a and 49b (for example, for detecting that the spring piece 43 contacted the position which opposes the electrical contact of the spring piece 43) (for example, Electrical contacts) are provided, respectively, and it is possible to monitor whether the mirror block 50 is rising or falling, depending on which detection sections 49a and 49b are outputting detection signals.

FIG. 8: is a perspective view which shows the shape of the mirror block 50 fixed to the edge part of the iron piece 40, and FIG. 9 (a), (b) is the top view and the front view. The mirror block 50 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape by metal, glass, plastic, or the like. The first light reflection surface 51 and the second light reflection surface 52 are formed on the left and right sides of the mirror block 50 at an angle of 90 degrees. In addition, in the upper half of the front surface of the mirror block 50, the third light reflection surface 53 and the fourth light reflection surface 54 protrude from right and left to form an angle of 90 degrees. Here, the third light reflection surface 53 and the first light reflection surface 51 also have an angle of 90 degrees, and the fourth light reflection surface 54 and the second light reflection surface 52 also have an angle of 90 degrees. . Therefore, in the upper half of the front surface of the mirror block 50, the first light reflection surface 51, the third light reflection surface 53, the second light reflection surface 52, and the fourth light reflection are formed at an angle of 90 degrees to each other. The slope 54 is formed in a W-groove shape, and the first light reflecting surface 51 and the second light reflecting surface 52 are formed in a V-groove to form an angle of 90 degrees with each other in the lower half of the front surface of the mirror block 50. It is formed. Specifically, in the upper half of the mirror block 50, the first light reflecting surface 51, the third light reflecting surface 53, the second light reflecting surface 52, and the fourth light reflecting surface ( 54 is plane symmetrical, and in the lower half of the mirror block 50, the first light reflection surface 51 and the second light reflection surface 52 are plane symmetric with respect to the center plane.

The mirror block 50 is fixed by adhering the lower surface to the upper end of the iron piece 40 with an adhesive, and the light reflecting surfaces 51, 52, 53 and 54 of the W groove shape become upper, and the V-shaped light spot. The slopes 51 and 52 are down. On the contrary, the light reflection surfaces 51 and 52 of the V-groove are turned upward, and the light reflection surfaces 51, 52, 53 and 54 of the W-groove are turned downward, and the upper surface of the mirror block 50 is turned downward. It is also possible to adhere to the iron piece 40. However, in such a structure, between the 1st light reflection surface 51 and the 3rd light reflection surface 53, and the 4th light reflection surface 54 and the 2nd at the time of the adhesion | attachment of the mirror block 50, The adhesive agent rises from the two V grooves between the light reflection surface 52 by the capillary phenomenon, and the light reflection surface is easily contaminated. When the lower surface of the mirror block 50 is attached downward to the iron piece 40 as in the present embodiment, the adhesive is one V between the first light reflection surface 51 and the second light reflection surface 52. Since it only rises through the grooves, it becomes difficult for the light reflecting surface to be contaminated with adhesive.

The optical fiber installation unit 26 is composed of a support U having a substantially U-shape shown in FIG. 10 and an adjusting plate 56 shown in FIG. The support base 55 is provided with the recessed part 58 in the upper surface of both sides, and the bottom face is fixed to the upper surface of the board | substrate 24 previously. As for the adjustment board 56, the arm 57 which each rod-shaped extended from both sides is extended. This adjusting plate 56 is fixed to the lower surface of the optical fiber array 27 with an adhesive before being attached to the support 55. Subsequently, the arm 57 of the adjusting plate 56 on which the optical fiber array 27 is placed is received in the recess 58 of the support 55, and after adjusting the position of the optical fiber array 27, the arm ( 57 is fixed in the recessed part 58, and the optical fiber array 27 is supported by the adjusting plate 56 in air.

12 is an exploded perspective view of the optical fiber array 27. In this optical fiber array 27, the ends of four optical fibers 32, 33, 34, and 35 are held in the holder 59. The distal ends of the respective optical fibers 32, 33, 34, and 35 are precisely positioned in the holder 59, arranged in parallel in a row at a predetermined pitch, and fixed in that state. Specifically, the first input optical fiber 32, the first output optical fiber 34, the second input optical fiber 33, and the second output optical fiber 35 are sequentially arranged. As a means for precisely positioning the optical fibers 32, 33, 34, and 35 in the holder 59, it may be inserted into a multi-core ferrule, and the optical fibers 32, 33, 34, and 35 have a V groove shape. You may carry out by inserting into a groove. In addition, the lens array 60 is fixed to the front surface of the holder 59 by an adhesive or the like, and the lens array 60 faces the end faces of the optical fibers 32, 33, 34, and 35 so as to be minutely bonded. The lens 61 is molded. As this lens array 60, the coupling lens 61 which consists of transparent resin may be provided in a transparent resin board | substrate, the coupling lens 61 which consists of glass may be provided in a glass substrate, and glass is transparent to a transparent resin substrate A coupling lens 61 made of a resin may be provided, or a coupling lens 61 made of a transparent resin may be provided on a glass substrate. The lens array 60 is disposed on the front surface of the holder 59 with an uncured adhesive, and then emits light from each of the optical fibers 32, 33, 34, and 35 to each lens 61 for coupling. Optical axis alignment between the optical fibers 32, 33, 34, and 35 and the coupling lens 61 is monitored by monitoring the light passing through the coupling lens 61, and in that state, the adhesive is cured so that the front surface of the holder 59 is fixed. Is fixed to.

Next, the assembly process of this optical switch 21 is demonstrated. In the assembling process of the optical switch 21, first, the mirror unit 25 is mounted on the substrate 24 by soldering the lead foot 69 of the mirror unit 25 to the electrode pad 30 of the substrate 24. . The mirror block 50 is attached to the mirror unit 25 in advance. The support 55 of the optical fiber installation unit 26 is also disposed at a position opposite to the mirror unit 25 and bonded to the upper surface of the substrate 24 in advance.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 11, the adjusting plate 56 is adhered to the lower surface of the optical fiber array 27 to integrate the optical fiber array 27 and the adjusting plate 56. Holding this optical fiber array 27 with a robot hand, carrying the optical fiber array 27 above the support 55, and supporting the arm 57 of the adjustment plate 56 fixed to the lower surface of the optical fiber array 27. It is accommodated in the recessed part 58 of 55. As shown in FIG.

Thereafter, the mirror block 50 is raised so that the first light reflection surface 51 and the second light reflection surface 52 oppose the optical fibers 32, 33, 34, and 35, and the optical fiber array 27 To adjust the optical axis position (see FIG. 13 (b)) to store the position of the optical fiber array 27 in a computer. Subsequently, the mirror block 50 is lowered so that the first light reflection surface 51, the third light reflection surface 53, the fourth light reflection surface 54 and the second light reflection surface 52 are optical fibers 32. , 33, 34, and 35, the optical fiber array 27 is moved to adjust the optical axis position (see FIG. 13 (a)) to store the position of the optical fiber array 27 in a computer. In this way, when the optical axis adjustment position of the optical fiber array 27 is detected in the state which raised and lowered the mirror block 50, and each position is memorize | stored in a computer, a computer calculates an optimal position based on the data. (Eg, find the average position of both positions). When the optimum position of the optical fiber array 27 is calculated by the computer, the optical fiber array 27 is finely adjusted and maintained in such a state by the robot hand. The ultraviolet curable adhesive is dripped between the arm 57 and the recessed part 58, maintaining this state, and ultraviolet-ray is irradiated and hardened | cured by an ultraviolet curable adhesive, and the arm 57 is recessed by the adhesive agent 58 And the optical fiber array 27 to the final adjustment position. In addition, as an adhesive for fixing the arm 57, that is, a curable adhesive, it is not limited to an ultraviolet curable adhesive. In addition, the arm 57 may be fixed by solder or the like as well as the adhesive.

In this way, the optical switch main body 22 is assembled by attaching the mirror unit 25 and the optical fiber installation unit 26 to the substrate 24. In this optical switch main body 22, the mirror block 50 of the mirror unit 25 and the optical fiber 32, 33, 34, and 35 of the optical fiber array 27 oppose each other, and the mirror unit 25 The magnet block 38) is excited to adsorb the end portion on the opposite side to the mirror block 50 of the iron piece 40, so that the mirror block 50 is raised. In this state, the third light reflecting surface 53 and the fourth light reflecting surface 54 are raised above the plane including the axis centers of the ends of the optical fibers 32, 33, 34, and 35, and shown in Fig. 13B. As shown in the lower half of the mirror block 50, the first input optical fiber 32 and the first output optical fiber 34 oppose the first light reflection surface 51 and the second input optical fiber Reference numeral 33 and the second output optical fiber 35 oppose the second light reflection surface 52. In addition, when the electromagnet 38 of the mirror unit 25 is excited and the edge part of the side in which the mirror block 50 of the iron piece 40 is provided is attracted, the mirror block 50 falls down. In this state, as shown in Fig. 13A, the first input optical fiber 32 opposes the first light reflection surface 51 in the upper half of the mirror block 50, and the first output optical fiber 34 opposes the third light reflecting surface 53, the second input optical fiber 33 opposes the fourth light reflecting surface 54, and the second output optical fiber 35 is the second. It opposes the light reflection surface 52.

However, if the positional relationship between each optical fiber 32, 33, 34, and 35 and each light reflection surface 51, 52, 53, and 54 is adjusted correctly, the mirror block 50 will be like FIG. 13 (a). In the optical switch 21 in the descending switching state, the light 66 emitted from the first input optical fiber 32 is reflected by the first light reflecting surface 51 and the third light reflecting surface 53. And then it enters the first output optical fiber 34. Further, the light 67 emitted from the second input optical fiber 33 is reflected by the fourth light reflecting surface 54 and the second light reflecting surface 52 and then reflected on the second output optical fiber 35. Enter. Therefore, in this switching state, the first input optical fiber 32 and the first output optical fiber 34 are coupled, and the second input optical fiber 33 and the second output optical fiber 35 are coupled.

On the other hand, in the optical switch 21 in the switching state in which the mirror block 50 is rising as shown in FIG. 13B, the light 66 emitted from the first input optical fiber 32 is the first light spot. After reflecting from the slope 51 and the 2nd light reflection surface 52, it injects into the 2nd output optical fiber 35. As shown in FIG. Further, the light 67 emitted from the second input optical fiber 33 is reflected by the second light reflecting surface 52 and the first light reflecting surface 51, and then is reflected on the first output optical fiber 34. Enter. Therefore, in this switching state, the first input optical fiber 32 and the second output optical fiber 35 are coupled to the second input optical fiber 33 and the first output optical fiber 34.

Further, even when the mirror block 50 and the optical fiber array 27 are precisely positioned, the arm 57 moves until the adhesive is completely cured, and the position is adjusted again after the optical fiber array 27 is attached. It is also taken into account. In order to cope with such a case, the arm 57 is bent or meandered as shown in FIG. 14, and the arm 57 is plastically deformed even after the adjusting plate 56 is fixed to the support 55 to adjust the adjusting plate 56. The optical fiber array 27 may be moved to move the optical fiber array 27 in the longitudinal and transverse directions, or the angle of the optical fiber array 27 may be adjusted.

When the position adjustment of the optical fiber array 27 is completed, the upper surface of the optical switch body 22 is covered with a cover 23 to seal the upper surface of the optical switch body 22. Thereby, the optical switch 21 of a sealing structure is manufactured.

(Second embodiment)

15A, 15B, and 15C are partially broken plan views, front views, and partially broken views showing the structure of the mirror block 50 used in the optical switch according to the second embodiment of the present invention. One view. In this mirror block 50, the V groove between the first light reflection surface 51 and the second light reflection surface 52, and the V between the first light reflection surface 51 and the third light reflection surface 53. In the grooves, the V grooves between the fourth light reflection surface 54 and the second light reflection surface 52, the flat portions 62, 63, and 63 are respectively filled by filling the deepest portions of the V grooves. And makes it difficult to suck up the adhesive by capillary action in the V-groove at the time of adhesion of the mirror block 50. In the figure, the inside of the V-groove is flat, but may be curved. In this way, setting the lower limit to the groove width in the V groove makes it difficult to suck the adhesive onto the light reflection surface, making the light reflection surface more difficult to be contaminated with the adhesive.

In addition, in this embodiment, the opening width W1 of the V groove between the first light reflection surface 51 and the second light reflection surface 52 is 1 mm, and the first light reflection surface 51 and the third light reflection surface are 1 mm. Each opening width W2 of the V groove between the light reflection surface 53 of the V groove and the V light reflection surface 54 between the fourth light reflection surface 54 and the second light reflection surface 52 is 0.5 mm. The widths W3 of the 62 and 63 are almost 50 mu m.

(Third embodiment)

In the mirror unit 25 having the above-described structure, the iron piece 40 is rotated in a seesaw shape to lift and lift the mirror block 50, and the mirror block 50 is lowered when the mirror block 50 is rising. When doing so, the angle of the front surface (light reflection surface) of the mirror block 50 changes up and down. In particular, when the mirror unit 25 is downsized, the angle change when the mirror block 50 is raised and lowered is increased, and the light reflected from the mirror block 50 from the input optical fibers 32 and 33 is output to the output optical fiber 34. , 35). In such a case, the mirror block 50 having a structure as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 (a), (b) and (c) may be used.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing the structure of the mirror block 50 used for the optical switch according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 17A is a plan view of the mirror block 50, and FIGS. 17B and 17C are cross-sectional views taken along line X-X and Y-Y of FIG. 17A, respectively. In this mirror block 50, in the lower half of the front side of the mirror block 50, it is formed in V-groove shape by the 1st light reflection surface 51a and the 2nd light reflection surface 52a, and also a mirror unit When the mirror block 50 provided in (25) rises, the normal line which is set on the 1st light reflection surface 51a and the 2nd light reflection surface 52a is the same as the optical axis of the front end of the optical fiber 32, 33, 34, and 35. The 1st light reflection surface 51a and the 2nd light reflection surface 52 are inclined downward so that it may be contained in a plane. In the upper half of the front surface of the mirror block 50, the first light reflection surface 51b, the second light reflection surface 52b, the third light reflection surface 53 and the fourth light reflection surface 54 are used. The first light reflection surface 51b, the second light reflection surface 52b, and the third light reflection surface (when the mirror block 50 formed in the W-groove shape and attached to the mirror unit 25 are lowered are lowered. 53 and the first light reflection surface 51b and the second light reflection so that each normal line of the fourth light reflection surface 54 is included in the same plane as the optical axis of the tips of the optical fibers 32, 33, 34, and 35. The slope 52b, the third light reflection surface 53 and the fourth light reflection surface 54 are inclined upward.

Therefore, when using such a mirror block 50, the light reflected by the mirror block 50 does not deviate from the plane containing the optical axis of the optical fiber 32, 33, 34, and 35, and each light reflection surface 51a is carried out. , 51b, 52a, 52b, 53, and 54 can be easily aligned with each other, and the coupling efficiency of the optical switch 21 can be improved.

(Fourth embodiment)

FIG. 18 shows a 1 × 2 type optical switch having one input optical fiber and two output optical fibers. In this embodiment, when the mirror block 50 is lowered, the first output optical fiber 34 faces the third light reflection surface 53, and the input optical fiber 64 is directed to the fourth light reflection surface 54. And the second output optical fiber 35 is disposed to face the second light reflection surface 52.

However, in this optical switch, in the switching state in which the mirror block 50 is lowered, as shown in FIG. 18A, the light 65 emitted from the input optical fiber 64 is the fourth light reflection surface 54. ) And the second light reflection surface 52 is incident on the second output optical fiber 35. Therefore, in this switching state, the input optical fiber 64 and the second output optical fiber 35 are coupled.

On the other hand, in the switching state in which the mirror block 50 is rising, the light 65 emitted from the input optical fiber 64, as shown in Fig. 18B, has the second light reflection surface 52 and the first light. The light is reflected by the light reflection surface 51 and then incident on the first output optical fiber 34. Therefore, in this switching state, the input optical fiber 64 and the first output optical fiber 34 are coupled.

Moreover, of course, a 1 x 2 type optical switch having two input optical fibers and one output optical fiber is also possible.

(5th embodiment)

19 shows a 4x4 type optical switch having four input optical fibers and four output optical fibers. In this optical switch, when the mirror block 50 is descending, the first input optical fiber 71 and the second input optical fiber 72 oppose the first light reflection surface 51, The output optical fiber 75 and the second output optical fiber 76 oppose the third light reflection surface 53, and the third input optical fiber 73 and the fourth input optical fiber 74 are the fourth optical fiber 75. Opposite the light reflection surface 54, the third optical fiber for output 77 and the fourth optical fiber for output 78 is disposed so as to oppose the second light reflection surface (52).

However, in the switching state in which the mirror block 50 is falling, the light 79 and 80 emitted from the first input optical fiber 71 and the second input optical fiber 72 are the first light reflection surface ( 51 and incident on the second output optical fiber 76 and the first output optical fiber 75, respectively, after being reflected by the third light reflection surface 53. Further, light 81 and 82 emitted from the third input optical fiber 73 and the fourth input optical fiber 74 are reflected by the fourth light reflection surface 54 and the second light reflection surface 52. After that, the light enters the fourth output optical fiber 78 and the third output optical fiber 77, respectively. Therefore, in this switching state, the first input optical fiber 71 and the second output optical fiber 76 are coupled, and the second input optical fiber 72 and the first output optical fiber 75 are coupled, The third input optical fiber 73 and the fourth output optical fiber 78 are coupled, and the fourth input optical fiber 74 and the third output optical fiber 77 are coupled.

On the other hand, in the switching state in which the mirror block 50 is rising as shown in FIG. 19B, the light 79 emitted from the first input optical fiber 71 and the second input optical fiber 72 is shown. 80 is reflected from the first light reflecting surface 51 and the second light reflecting surface 52 and then enters the fourth output optical fiber 78 and the third output optical fiber 77, respectively. Further, the light 81 and 82 emitted from the third input optical fiber 73 and the fourth input optical fiber 74 are reflected by the second light reflection surface 52 and the first light reflection surface 51. After that, the light enters the second output optical fiber 76 and the first output optical fiber 75. Therefore, in this switching state, the first input optical fiber 71 and the fourth output optical fiber 78 are coupled, and the second input optical fiber 72 and the third output optical fiber 77 are coupled, The third input optical fiber 73 and the second output optical fiber 76 are coupled, and the fourth input optical fiber 74 and the first output optical fiber 75 are coupled.

(6th embodiment)

In the case of using the mirror block 50 as in the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, for example, light emitted from the first input optical fiber 32 ( 66 is reflected from the first light reflecting surface 51 and the third light reflecting surface 53 and enters the first output optical fiber 34, and the light emitted from the first input optical fiber 32. When 66 is reflected from the first light reflecting surface 51 and the second light reflecting surface 52 and enters the second output optical fiber 35, after exiting from the first light reflecting surface 51 The lengths of the spatial light paths until they enter the first output optical fiber 34 or the second output optical fiber 35 are different. Therefore, in the light 66 incident on the first output optical fiber 34 and the light 66 incident on the second output optical fiber 35, the phase and the light spot diameter of the light 66 in the fiber cross section By changing the light switch, the characteristic of the optical signal is changed, and for example, the lens position may need to be adjusted or the coupling efficiency may change.

20 is a perspective view showing the structure of an optimal mirror block 50 to solve the above problems. In this mirror block 50, in the lower half of the front surface of the mirror block 50, it is formed in the V groove shape by the 1st light reflection surface 51a and the 2nd light reflection surface 52a, and it is a mirror block ( In the upper half of the front face 50, the first light reflection surface 51b, the second light reflection surface 52b, the third light reflection surface 53, and the fourth light reflection surface 54 form a W groove. Formed. In addition, the first light reflection surface 51b, the second light reflection surface 52b, the third light reflection surface 53, and the fourth light reflection surface 54 formed in the upper half are formed in the lower half. It is retracted behind the first light reflecting surface 51a and the second light reflecting surface 52a. Therefore, even if the upper half of the mirror block 50 is used or the lower half is used, Make sure there is no change.

21A and 21B show a first light reflection surface 51b on which the mirror block 50 descends, a second light reflection surface 52b, a third light reflection surface 53 and a fourth The state where the light reflection surface 54 is used and the state where the 1st light reflection surface 51a and the 2nd light reflection surface 52a which the mirror block 50 raises are used are shown. As can be seen from the geometrical relationship between the light path 66 and the light path 67 shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the state of FIG. Since the distance at which the spatial light path length becomes longer when switched to the state is equal to that of the light 66 and the light 67, only half of the distance is the first light reflection surface 51b, the second light reflection surface 52b, and the first. It is possible to prevent the spatial light path length from changing by lowering the third light reflection surface 53 and the fourth light reflection surface 54.

According to this embodiment, adjustment of the lens position or the like accompanying the switching of the optical switch becomes unnecessary, and the change in the light coupling efficiency can also be prevented.

In the above embodiment, the driven portion 39 of the mirror unit 25 is driven in a seesaw shape to rotate the mirror block 50. However, the mirror block 50 is moved up and down by lifting the driven portion 39 up and down. May be moved in parallel. In addition, although the mirror unit 25 makes the mirror block 50 move by an electromagnet, the mirror unit 25 may make the mirror block 50 move by other methods, such as an electrostatic actuator and a voice coil. Also, in the case of using an electromagnet, only one electromagnet is used, and when the electromagnet is excited, the mirror block 50 is in the lowered position, and in the case where the electromagnet is demagnetized, the mirror block 50 is in the raised position. Also good. Moreover, even when using an electromagnet, it may be of the type which does not latch.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical switch for switching an optical fiber transmission path or an optical transmission / reception terminal used in optical communication, and includes a junction portion of an input optical path (for example, an input optical fiber) and an output optical path (for example, an output optical fiber). Available at

Claims (6)

An optical switch comprising at least three input optical paths and an output optical path in total, and switching an optical path by changing a combination of an input optical path and an output optical path that transmit and match light with each other, A first region in which a front surface of the mirror member, which is movable relative to the input optical path and the output optical path, is opposed to the input optical path and the output optical path, and has a pair of light reflection surfaces crossing each other at a predetermined angle; And a second region in which a plurality of pairs of light reflecting surfaces intersecting with each other at mutually adjacent angles of light reflecting surfaces are disposed along the direction of movement of the mirror member in front of the mirror member. The method of claim 1, And an actuator for moving the mirror member. The method of claim 1, The optical switch which integrally comprised the part which opposes the front surface of the said mirror member of the said input optical path and the said output optical path is characterized by the above-mentioned. The method of claim 1, The light emitted from the input optical path of a part of the plurality of input optical paths is reflected by the light reflection surface provided in the first area, thereby making it incident on the output optical path of some of the plurality of output optical paths, and the other input optical path. The light emitted from the light is reflected on the light reflection surface provided in the first area, thereby being incident on another output light path, and the light emitted from the partial input light path is reflected on the light reflection surface provided in the second area. Light incident on the other output optical path, and light emitted from the other input optical path is reflected on the light reflection surface provided in the second region, thereby to enter the partial output optical path. . The method of claim 1, And means for monitoring whether one of the first region or the second region of the front surface of the mirror member is opposite to the input optical path and the output optical path. The method of claim 1, After the light emitted from the input optical path is emitted from the input optical path, the spatial light path length is reflected from the light reflection surface provided in the first area to enter the output optical path, and the light emitted from the input optical path is And the spatial optical path lengths emitted from the input optical path and reflected from the light reflection surface provided in the second area to be incident on the output optical path are equal.